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Instant weekend: Innsbruck

Why should I go? To visit the only city with full-blown Alps at the end of the street. Innsbruck is squeezed between 7,370ft Patscherkofel and 6,250ft Seegrube - a unique side serving of adrenaline. Eaten too much sachertorte? Then jump on the J bus to suburban Igls and ski the Olympia Abfahrt, as used in the 1976 Winter Games. Or how about a bobsleigh run? Also at Igls (00 43-676 883 38270), this is where national teams train, and you can try a "tourist class" descent for about £20pp - a real contrast to the art galleries and Hapsburg palaces in the streets below. Where do I stay? Innsbruck is both cosy mountain town and slick metropolis - and it shows in the accommodation. Hotel Congress (512 2115, www. austria-trend.at) is the latest in minimalist chic, with doubles from £125. Most weekenders, however, will be happier in the medieval old town, which is